Anthropology makes its way to the stage with flair

From the forests and back woods to the old cities of the Philippines, Ramon Obusan collects songs, dances, costumes and musical instruments. This weekend, observe the diversity of song and dance he has uncovered as Ramon Obusan Ballet Folklorico de Filipinas, a 26-member dance company from Manila, performs in celebration of the Filipino centennial.

In concert

Ramon Obusan's Ballet Folklorico de Filipinas presents "The Mysterious and Unknown Rituals of the Philippines"

"There will be three hours of nonstop singing and dancing," said Obusan.

Color and flair should not be a problem. Obusan packed more than 2,200 pounds worth of costumes and props for this weekend's show. Outlandish headdresses, beaded umbrellas, beautifully embellished Spanish gowns and traditional tribal costumes are among the goods.

"We change costumes about every three to five minutes. We jump from one costume to another," said Obusan. "We have great variety in the program."

Obusan features five suites that he directed, choreographed and designed. One suite is a look at the Highland tribes of Luzon. Music, chants and dance celebrate milestones such as birth, courtship, death and even a headhunt. Another displays Spanish and Western influences. One more suite pays tribute to more than 2 million Muslims who reside in the Philippines.

As a cultural anthropologist, Obusan travels throughout the Philippines recording versions of dances from neighboring villages, focusing on rites and traditions. He has spent a lifetime studying and documenting the Filipino culture, compiling more than 200 documentations, both video and audio. "I owe it to my country," he said. "I want to collect more, but my health is catching up to me."

Obusan began his career as a dance researcher in 1964 as a member of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, continuing with the group until he obtained a degree in anthropology. A few years later, he managed the Larawan Dance Company, which led to the desire to establish his own company. Obusan has also researched the Polynesian cultures of Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji and New Zealand and presents lectures and workshops worldwide.

Ricardo Trimillos, the University of Hawaii's Asian Studies chairman and a Philippine specialist, can attest to the authenticity of Obusan's work.

"Most people learn dances from teachers or performers who come from Manila. Obusan is unusual in that respect," he said. "The people who actually perform the dance in their community teach Obusan."

COURTESY OUTREACH COLLEGE
A showcase of dances highlight the diversity of Filipino culture. Some portray a Spanish influence while others focus on tribal villages. The Pastores, a Mexican-influenced dance of the Christmas shepherds from Camarines Norte.

Where China and Japan are often seen as homogenous, Trimillos said, the Philippines is much more diverse. "It is a challenge to try to show the variety of different cultural themes in the Philippines."

The costumes alone, although made more visual for the stage, reflect the wide variety of traditional wear, he said.

Trimillos describes the dancers in Obusan's troupe as multi-kinetic -- proficient in a variety of styles, making clear distinctions among types of dances. "It's like being multilingual."

Trimillos worked with Obusan in the Philippines during the '60s and '70s, and most recently in 1998 when they organized artists and craft workers to attend a folk life festival in Washington, D.C.

He emphasized that the show can be enjoyed at face value. "The presentation and visual impact is really valuable. The performance can be enjoyed just as a performance. People don't need to understand the cultural nuances."

COURTESY OUTREACH COLLEGE
Gin-um, a Bagobo Ritual from Davao, Mindanao.